Chelsea consider bringing in added competition for Fernando Torres

Chelsea boss
Roberto Di Matteo is weighing up a move for another striker, after granting Romelu Lukaku permission to quit the club on loan this summer.

Still struggling: Fernando Torres of Chelsea (Picture: Getty Images)

Di Matteo is currently assessing his options in attack for next season, after Didier Drogba followed Nicolas Anelka to China last month, while Salomon Kalou has been released at the end of his contract.

The departure of that trio was aimed at clearing space for £50 million man Fernando Torres , but as he continues to struggle in pre-season, Di Matteo is worried about his lack of firepower.

Belgian teenager Lukaku has impressed on their tour of America, but Di Matteo is not convinced he can put suitable pressure on Torres next season, and has granted him permission to leave on loan.

That would leave just Torres and the out-of-favour Daniel Sturridge left in attack at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea are now looking at bringing somebody in to bolster the squad.

Chelsea have already failed to land in one of their top forward targets – Porto striker Hulk – while they have been warned off long-term options Edinson Cavani and Wilfried Bony.

However, it is understood that Chelsea have identified a number of other options, including Marseille’s Loic Remy and Bayer Leverkusen powerhouse Stefan Kiessling.

Hulk remains the club’s top target, but talks are yet to advance from last month, and that deal is now on the cusp of collapse.